Navigating Displacement and Integration of Displaced in Karachi’s outskirts

Abbas Haider – Executive Director, Pakistan Institute for Labour Education and Research (PILER)

Host Community: Gulshan-e-Maymar

In October 2024, the Mapping Displacement Research Team met with Mr. Abbas Haider, Executive Director of the Pakistan Institute for Labour Education and Research (PILER). With decades of experience in labour rights and humanitarian assistance, PILER has been closely involved in supporting displaced communities, particularly after the catastrophic floods of 2010, 2013, and 2022, which destroyed homes, livelihoods, and communities across Sindh.

During the discussion, Abbas reflected on the settlement dynamics of Gulshan-e-Maymar, a northern Karachi neighbourhood situated close to the Karachi-Hyderabad Motorway (M-9) toll plaza. This area has become a key entry point for displaced populations fleeing the devastation of rural Sindh during Climatic events. The geographic proximity of Gulshan-e-Maymar to Sindhabad and Jamali Pul, along with its relatively open spaces, has made it a natural destination for families seeking refuge in the safety net of a dynamic and complex metropolis.

Dynamics of Displacement in the Neighbourhood

Following the floods of 2022, large numbers of displaced individuals arrived in Karachi, with many settling in informal camps on the outskirts of Gulshan-e-Maymar. Abbas explained how these displaced families often choose this location due to its accessibility and proximity to livelihood opportunities. Areas such as Labour Square initially hosted some families, but many eventually moved into makeshift settlements near Jamali Pul, in Sindhabad which has become home to second-generation displaced communities since the 2010 floods.

However, this influx has not been without challenges. Abbas highlighted significant tensions between the host community and displaced families. Limited resources, particularly in water supply, sanitation, and healthcare, have been stretched thin, creating resentment among local residents. Additionally, cultural differences and competition over employment opportunities have further complicated relations.

Impact on the Community and Security Concerns

One of the most pressing issues identified by Abbas is the exploitation of displaced populations by criminal networks. Informal settlements in areas like Jamali Pul and Sindhabad have attracted individuals who exploit the vulnerabilities of the displaced. Abbas pointed out that instances of theft, looting, and even organized crime have increased, creating law and order challenges for the local administration.

Children remain particularly at risk, with many forced into begging or other forms of labour due to the dire circumstances of their families. Abbas expressed concern about the long-term impact on these children, who face significant risks of abuse and exploitation in the absence of robust protective measures.

Challenges in Providing Relief and Long-Term Support

Abbas also discussed the waning support from philanthropic and NGO sectors. Initially, after the floods, many organizations provided food, rations, and medical aid to affected families. However, as funding dried up, these efforts became sporadic, leaving displaced populations to fend for themselves. Abbas stressed that while NGOs like PILER have played a vital role during immediate crises, long-term rehabilitation requires systemic solutions that NGOs alone cannot provide.

Despite these efforts, the settlements in and around Gulshan-e-Maymar remain emblematic of a broader governance gap. Abbas emphasized that the absence of comprehensive policies addressing urban displacement and integration has left both host and displaced communities vulnerable. He underscored the importance of effective governance at the Union Council (UC) level, particularly in areas like Gulshan-e-Maymar, where rapid urbanization and displacement intersect.

Reflections

Abbas Haider concluded that while organizations like PILER will continue to support displaced communities in their capacity, the challenges in the neighbourhood, which host displaced communities highlight the urgent need for systemic interventions. The Union Council requires better policymaking to streamline efforts, improve infrastructure, and address the resource strain and social tensions that displacement brings. Without strategic governance, areas like Gulshan-e-Maymar will remain overwhelmed by the complexities of urban displacement, perpetuating cycles of vulnerability and conflict for both host and displaced populations.

By contextualizing these challenges, Abbas presented a stark but factual account of how displacement, when unmanaged, transforms not just the lives of those directly affected but also the social fabric of host communities.